Zlatko Belanic

Whilst in Adelaide on business last month, I finally caught up with Eagle old boy Zlatko Belanic. Zlatko played in goal for Eagles in the early nineties and was not only a fantastic goalkeeper but a great guy as well. Since returning to Adelaide in 1997, Zlatko has been very busy developing his coaching career including running his own Goalkeeping School at one stage and also writing for the Australian Soccer Times Magazine. He has also held coaching positions with Adelaide clubs, Metro Stars (GK Coach - Juniors and Seniors) , Metro United (Head Coach) and Croydon Kings (Senior Assistant and GK Coach).

A highlight for Zlatko in his time in Adelaide was looking after a Hajduk Split side (working as liaison officer)that won an U20 International Challenge tournament in 2003. Along the way Hajduk defeated the AIS, Bayer Leverkusen and Liverpool.

From 2002-2005 Zlatko was a Senior Assistant and Goalkeeper Coach for the South Australian Institute of Sport (SASI) Women's team. Here he worked with current and ex Matilda players Leanne Trimboli, Colette McCallum, Lisa De Vanna and Di Alagich players, very familiar to those of us who watched the last Women's World Cup.

He has also worked with numerous youngsters that have trialled overseas and have received scholarships particularly in the US. The good news for the Club (and Tassie goalkeepers) is that I'm working with Zlatko to get him back to Hobart to do some coaching. At this stage it will be in the April school Easter break and will cater for junior and senior goalkeepers and coaches as well.

Zlatko holds an FFA/AFC 'B' Licence and has taken sessions for the benefit of numerous Directors of Coaching in Australia as well as providing programs to assist in the measurement of keeper performance. His knowledge and experience in keeping and other qualifications including "Fitness for Soccer" is of the highest quality and will be beneficial to anyone who attends his sessions, goalkeepers and coaches alike.

It was great to catch up with Zlatko and look forward to his visit in early April.